This week:
- Raising Hope
- New Girl
- The Mindy Project
- Happy Endings
- Don’t Trust The B in Apartment 23
You Look Radishing
Raising Hope – “Candy Wars”
I like when Raising Hope does a silly episode, and so I thought this spoof episode worked pretty well. Hope will never be my favorite sitcom on TV, but it’s pleasant and funny enough to remain a season pass on my DVR. It was fun to try and pick out all the different crime shows/movies that were being spoofed, and I’m sure many viewers were better at it than I was.
Best moment: “Don’t eat the product!”
Family Portrait
New Girl – “Parents”
Meeting Jess’s parents? Brilliant move – and the casting made it even better. I liked the idea that Jess has been trying to “Parent Trap” her divorced parents for years, always failing but never giving up. Cece was, of course, immediately on to her tricks this year and the whole dynamic worked really well – especially Nick, who got along swimmingly with both of Jess’s parents, thus proving why they had a spark in the first place. Meanwhile, Schmidt’s cousin was played by Rob Riggle, which pretty much sums up why that was awesome. The competition to see who would be “the true Schmidt” was a funny B-plot.
Best moment: “You grieved so publicly on Instagram — all those pictures of sad trees and your lunches…”
Another family portrait…
The Mindy Project – “Thanksgiving”
I think Mindy Kaling is striking a fascinating balance with her character Mindy Lahiri, a girl who is both likable and awful at the same time. All the things Mindy did to try and seduce Ed Helms this week, those are not things one admired. But Mindy Kaling knows that, and she plays with that. And I think it’s hilarious. Anna Camp was great in this episode, and as it’s been announced that she’s moving from series regular to recurring to concentrate on movies, I think that’s good. She’ll be very funny when she’s on the show, and the writers can figure out what to do with her. (Also? Shauna the trampy receptionist is gone and won’t be missed.) While Mindy fought with her BFF and fretted about her uncommitted BF, Jeremy enjoyed an American Thanksgiving with Betsy’s weird family and Danny enjoyed a day all alone in the office. The rehearsing of “Piano Man” on keyboard really tickled me.
Best moment: I’m sorry is this Wayne Manner? Your husband is such a dork!
Busta Rhymes & Gwen
Happy Endings – “Happy Stanksgiving”
Squeal! I loved this episode so much, I don’t even know where to begin. Flashbacks to Black Wids in her Gwen Stefani phase never disappoint. Brad and Max on Real World: Sacramento? Hilarious. I loved Penny with the “Rachel” hairdo and the Juicy Couture velour tracksuit. And while I’m usually not a fan of Dave, his Thanksgiving epic disaster was quite hilarious. The blanket especially cracked me up. Still don’t love him and Alex, but the show seems to be playing with the idea that fans won’t be on board quite a bit.
Best moment: I don’t want to choose! Maybe “We were all still really from the events surrounding the film Vanilla Sky,” coupled with “I am so tired of people using Vanilla Sky to defend everything!”
Charity work/Photo op
Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23 – “It’s a Miracle”
This show is on a roll this season, and I’m glad to see they delivered a solid Thanksgiving episode. Even separated from the gals, James Van Der Beek was hilarious mocking all celebs who only visit soup kitchens for holiday photo ops. And the stuff with Chloe’s parents was funnier than I expected. Hating her wheelchair-bound mom is one of Chloe’s worst traits, but it was impossible not to laugh at the insane situation she put June in – and, as is often the case with Chloe, for not the worst reason. She manipulated her parents into giving her money, which she split with June to fund a flight home for Christmas.
Best moment: “It is nice! I’m really nice! …June, why aren’t you fanning yourself with your money?”
Runner up: “I like your sock.”
